In
the most detailed study to date on the nutritional value of
hydroponic produce, Plant Research Technologies Inc., an independent
analytical laboratory in San Jose, California, reports dramatic
increases in both the vitamin and mineral content compared
to field grown produce.

Tomatoes
(Patio Pride) demonstrated a mean increase of 50 percent in
vitamin and mineral content. Of the 14 values tested, the
hydroponics tomatoes showed increases in five and modest decreases
of 25 to 30 percent in three. Sweet peppers (Gypsy) showed
a mean increase of 150 percent - increases in nine of the
14 values tested and equal to soil-grown in the remaining
five. The sweet peppers tested up to 300 percent higher in
vitamins B2 and B3. A literature search including USDA, EPA
and FDA publications, plus reports from university and private
industry sources on the nutritional content of soil-grown
crops was used in the study

The
tomatoes were grown in an Aquafarm system and the peppers
in an AeroFlo system both using hydroponic nutrients. The
hydroponic produce was also tested for heavy metals and chemical
residues on the EPA's priority list. None were detected.